Altra Running is a brand known for perfecting the zero drop platform. Many runners believe that the typical heel height is too high and find that this particular design allows them to achieve better balance and posture. This is just one of many reasons why their Provision stability line is so effective. Its latest model, the Altra Provision 3.5, still contains the same features that buyers have come to know and love along with some new upgrades.

The outsole’s FootPod design still promotes a natural gait, while StabiliPod technology continues to prevent collapsed arches. A-Bound technology is added to the midsole of the Altra Provision 3.5 for more durable cushioning, and the Quick Dry Air Mesh is engineered to be long-lasting. However, reviewers have noticed that the colors of the inner liner do bleed out and that they can feel one of the stability features underneath their foot.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

-Corrects overpronation

-Very lightweight feel

-Appealing color schemes

-Ample toe room

Cons

-Inner sleeve color tends to bleed

-Uncomfortable stability unit

Outsole

Outsole

The outsole of the Altra Provision 3.5 features their trademarked FootPod design, which was created to mimic the shape and natural movements of the foot. This specialized tread pattern is comprised of various grooves that even go so far as to map out each individual toe.

Reviewers state that, when combined with the shoe’s corrective features, this enables them to have better control over their gait cycle. StabiliPod technology, comprised of three areas marked by a different color, acts as a tripod that prevents pronation and collapsed arches. For greater traction, and protection against wear and tear, a rubber compound is placed over the outsole.

Midsole

Midsole

Ultralight EVA foam comprises the primary midsole unit, running the full length of the foot, providing both support and a decent amount of impact absorption. Within this feature, four different technologies work together to correct overpronation.

An A-Bound, made from recycled materials, provides more resilience to the underfoot cushioning. Guide Rails form a wall around the top of the midsole to prevent wobbling. The StabiliPod, which can be seen on the shoe’s outsole, forms a tripod that keeps the arches from collapsing.

Finally, a Varus Stability wedge slopes from the medial to the lateral side of the shoe to keep the foot from turning inward. Though reviewers state that all of these features work just as well as they have on other models, some claim that the stability wedge is uncomfortable. A few runners can feel this feature underneath the medial side of their foot.

Upper

Upper

Quick-Dry Air Mesh constructs the upper of the Altra Provision 3.5, providing the runner with a cool and dry wear. Thin overlays are printed along the sides, forming a subtle midfoot cage that provides structure to the shoe and aids the lacing system in giving the runner a more secure fit.

Though the outsole and midsole perform most of the stabilizing work, a printed heel strap is still in place around the back to better ensure that the foot stays inside the shoe. One of this shoe’s better-received features is the FootShape toe box, which allows the toes to splay out and keeps the big toe straightened out. Reviewers note the incredible difference this makes in their levels of comfort and stability.

Weight

Weight

For a stability shoe, the Altra Provision 3.5 has proven to be surprisingly lightweight. Men’s sizes average at around 10 oz., while women’s are just under 8 oz. A large number of reviewers have stated that this model feels noticeably lighter than previous models in Altra’s Provision line.

Despite this, buyers say that this shoe’s corrective features work as well as they have before. Though most in need of corrective footwear are used to some extra ounces, as it indicates greater protection and stability, that is obviously not the case with this particular model.

Breathability

Breathability

As with other models in its line, the Altra Provision 3.5 is made with highly breathable Quick Dry Air Mesh. Aside from removing hotspots and wicking away sweat very quickly, this material also provides the runner with water repellency for more comfortable runs through wet weather.

These features greatly reduce the amount of foot odor and infections caused by excessive wetness within the foot chamber and also make it an excellent option for warm weather runs.

Comfort

Comfort

Reviews appear to be very mixed when it comes to the Provision 3.5’s level of comfort. On one hand, many are very satisfied with the level of cushioning its midsole offers them. They are also very pleased with its ample toe room and highly breathable wear.

However, some reviewers have stated that this model does not always fit true to size and that it has a longer-than-average break-in period. Furthermore, several consumers say that they can feel the Varus Stability wedge underneath their foot which makes for annoyingly uncomfortable wear.

Style

Style

More recent additions to the Provision line have been given a sportier look, and this model completely follows suit. With thinly printed overlays, and slimmer heel strap, and a silhouette that better conforms to the foot, reviewers love the look of this particular model.

They are also incredibly pleased with the different color options that are available to them. Though neutral colors are always popular, there are also several hues of blue, green, pink, and purple available.

However, buyers should be aware that the colors of the inner sleeve tend to bleed out and transfer. Several reviewers have reported stained socks after the first few wears.

Durability

Durability

As with other models in this line, the Provision 3.5 will last a long time when it is properly used. The rubber compound covering its outsole is engineered to be both long-lasting and highly protective against road surfaces.

Though its EVA foam midsole isn’t as durable as most newer materials, A-Bound technology is put in place to strengthen this feature and provide better cushioning for much longer. Even the Quick Dry Air Mesh upper is more resistant to damage than it has been on this line’s earlier versions.

Though reviewers are satisfied with how well it holds up to usage on roads and light trail runs, a few consumers have reported that the sole of this shoe will wear down and tear when used too frequently or on heavier trails.

Protection

Protection

As a stability shoe, the Altra Provision 3.5 is expected to have a number of protective features to further enhance its wear. Thankfully for reviewers, it delivers on this just as well as its predecessors. The combination of all of this shoe’s corrective features not only fix the runner’s gait but also reduce the likelihood of injuries and long-term pain.

This line has even been recommended by specialists for those living with tendonitis and other foot conditions. Its durable rubber outsole’s traction performs just as well as its level of protection against wear and tear.

The combination of the Ultralight EVA foam midsole and A-Bound technology creates a midsole that fully safeguards the runner from impact even during long distance runs. And, in addition to eliminating foot odor and infections, the Quick Dry Mesh Upper also wicks off rain water to keep the foot drier even during light showers.

Responsiveness

Responsiveness

Reviews and descriptions indicate that the Altra Provision 3.5 is quite responsive. The midsole’s Ultralight EVA foam and A-Bound technology work together to provide long-lasting shock absorption and energy transfer.

StabiliPod technology enhances this quality even further by keeping the arches fully supported, while the outsole’s FootPod design maps out each tendon within the foot to encourage a completely natural gait. Furthermore, the shoe’s tread pattern and durable rubber outsole enable it to transition easily between light trails and everyday surfaces.

Support

Support

The same features that correct pronation also make the Provision 3.5 a very supportive shoe. The outsole’s FootPod design and durable rubber compound create a base that both protects the midsole and encourages natural movement.

The midsole’s combination of Ultralight EVA foam and A-Bound technology ensures comfortable cushioning and impact absorption that can endure multiple long-distance runs. Of course, its most supportive feature is its StabiliPod, which actively works to support arches and correct overpronation.

Not only is this model fit for many levels of running, but it’s also an excellent option for jobs that require many hours of standing.

Terrain

Terrain

Just like its predecessors, the Altra Provision 3.5 is marketed as a versatile running shoe that works just as well on roads as it does on trails. Though reviewers do agree that it wears well in a number of different settings, it still performs best on paved roads.

The outsole has been known to wear down much quicker when used on rough terrains and therefore is not intended for heavy trails. Those who are just starting out with trail running will get a great deal of use out of this shoe, as it does transition well from lighter trails onto road surfaces.

Price

Price

Across all online retailers, including Zappos and Running Warehouse, the Altra Provision 3.5 is available for $120. This is considered an average price for a high-quality running shoe and is actually a bit less than other stability shoes on the market, which includes many of Altra’s other models. The cost is even more impressive when considering the amount of advanced and corrective technologies fixed into this particular model.

Traction

Traction

Though it is not intended for use on extremely rough terrains, the Provision 3.5 still provides the same incredible traction that buyers have come to expect from this line. The outsole’s textured rubber and deep grooves provide the runner with a completely secure grip as they move across various road surfaces and light trails. These same features also keep the runner moving safely on both wet and dry surfaces, making them a good selection for runs during light rain showers.

Flexibility

Flexibility

Very little information can be found that describes how flexible the Provision 3.5 is. However, if it is anything like its predecessors then it should have moderately flexible wear. This is primarily due to the midsole’s StabiliPod technology and the rubber outsole’s FootPod design.
The StabiliPod encourages natural movement as it prevents collapsed arches, while the FootPod design maps out every single muscle and tendon of the foot and promotes the most stable and unrestricted movement possible.

Stability

Stability

As the latest model in a line of stability shoes, the Provision 3.5 is jam-packed with corrective features. Altra’s trademarked StabiliPod technology is still present, forming a tripod to correct overpronation and collapsed arches.

The FoodPod design of the outsole also remains, mapping out each section of the foot to encourage completely natural yet secure movement. A newer feature is a set of Guide Rails that surround the top of the midsole, keeping the foot from wobbling around. In addition, a Varus Stability feature actively corrects pronation by preventing the foot from turning inward.

Though effective, this feature has been known to rub against the sole and make for uncomfortable wear. Finally, for added measure, a synthetic heel strap is wrapped around the back of the upper for more secure wear. Across a number of online platforms, reviewers say that these features work just as well as they did in previous versions.

Drop

Drop

As with all of Altra’s shoes, the Provision 3.5 features a zero drop platform. Both heel and toe platform heights are measured at 25mm, which allows the runner a significant amount of cushioning and support.

Many runners in need of corrective stability prefer low or zero-drop platforms because they encourage better balance and posture, allowing them greater control over their strides. Unfortunately, those who prefer added heel cushioning in their footwear would not be happy with anything this brand has to offer and would be better served by looking elsewhere.

Bottom Line

For the most part, the Altra Provision 3.5 maintains its line’s reputation for creating corrective and comfortable running shoes. Those with overpronation have noticed a much more natural gait, and buyers living with tendonitis have noticed how much their chronic pain has been reduced. Reviewers have even noticed how effective this model’s cushioning is when they are standing for hours on end at work.

It’s not without its downsides, however, as the color of the inner sleeve is known to bleed out and stain the runners’ socks. Furthermore, some have noticed that they can clearly feel the stability features underneath their feet, which makes for slightly uncomfortable wear. In conclusion, it is best to try these particular shoes inside a store first before making a purchase.